FC Barcelona’s Dani Olmo will miss Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria with a calf problem, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed Friday

Spain’s national team has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, as FC Barcelona midfielder Dani Olmo has been ruled out due to a calf injury. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) officially confirmed the news on Friday, leaving fans and coach Luis de la Fuente concerned about the player’s fitness.

Olmo, who has been one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season under Hansi Flick, picked up the knock during training earlier in the week. The midfielder had been expected to play a crucial role in Spain’s fixtures against Georgia and Bulgaria, two key matches that could determine the nation’s qualification path for the 2026 World Cup.

According to the RFEF statement, Olmo will not travel with the rest of the squad and will instead return to Barcelona for further medical evaluation. The club’s medical team is set to conduct scans and tests to assess the severity of the injury and determine how long he will be sidelined.

This setback comes at a time when Olmo was enjoying an impressive run of form. Since joining Barcelona last summer, the 27-year-old has become a vital piece of Flick’s tactical system, contributing with his creativity, pressing, and ability to control the rhythm of the game. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by both Spain and Barcelona, especially given his consistency in recent months.

Sources close to the Spanish camp revealed that the decision to withdraw Olmo was precautionary but necessary. “The medical staff advised against taking any risks,” one insider said. “It’s better to allow him time to recover fully rather than worsen the situation.” Spain’s technical team is expected to call up a replacement midfielder before their next fixture.

For Barcelona, the timing of this injury is far from ideal. The Catalan giants are preparing for a series of crucial matches in both La Liga and the Champions League, and Flick’s side has already been dealing with a growing list of injuries. Losing a player as versatile and technically gifted as Olmo could force tactical adjustments in the coming weeks.

Olmo’s ability to play across multiple positions — from attacking midfield to the wings — has made him one of the most valuable assets in Flick’s lineup. His chemistry with teammates like Pedri, Fermin López, and Lamine Yamal has been one of the key reasons behind Barcelona’s recent resurgence. His absence could see players like Raphinha or João Félix tasked with additional creative responsibilities.

In the Spanish national team setup, Olmo’s injury opens the door for other creative midfielders to step up. Players such as Nico Williams, Dani Ceballos, or Mikel Oyarzabal could be given more minutes as Spain seeks to maintain their dominant form in the qualifiers. Coach Luis de la Fuente will need to reshuffle his attacking options, especially given Olmo’s ability to link midfield play with the final third.

Despite the setback, early reports from Barcelona suggest that Olmo’s injury may not be a long-term one. The club remains optimistic that the problem is a minor calf strain and that he could be back in training within a couple of weeks if tests confirm no significant muscle damage. However, the final diagnosis will depend on the results of the medical examinations scheduled over the weekend.

For now, Barcelona and Spain fans alike will be hoping for good news. Dani Olmo has been a beacon of consistency and creativity this season, and both club and country will be eager to have him back on the pitch as soon as possible. His determination, professionalism, and importance to both teams make his recovery a top priority for medical and coaching staff.

As the international break unfolds, all eyes will be on Barcelona’s medical updates. The Catalan club is expected to release an official statement once the results of Olmo’s scans are confirmed — a moment that could shape both Spain’s short-term plans and Barcelona’s crucial upcoming fixtures.